New Delhi: Many Democratic leaders have rallied behind Kamala Harris as the party’s new US Presidential candidate, following President Joe Biden‘s withdrawal from the race. However, former President Barack Obama is yet to endorse Harris.
If reports are to be believed, Obama is sceptical about Harris’s chances against Republican candidate Donald Trump. “Obama is very upset because he knows she can’t win,” a Biden family source told the New York Post.
The source added, “Obama knows she’s just incompetent — the border czar who never visited the border, saying that all migrants should have health insurance. She cannot navigate the landmines that are ahead of her,” as quoted by the New York Post.
Contrary to these reports, NBC News has indicated that Obama plans to endorse Harris soon. According to the report, Obama has been privately supportive of Harris and has been in regular communication with her. Discussions have also taken place about arranging joint appearances on the campaign trail, though no specific date has been set.
Kamala Harris wins enough support to clinch Democratic nomination
Meanwhile, Harris has secured the support of enough Democratic delegates to become her party’s nominee against Republican Donald Trump, according to an Associated Press survey, as top Democrats rallied to her in the aftermath of President Joe Biden’s decision to drop his bid for reelection.
The quick coalescing behind Harris marked an attempt by the party to put weeks of internecine drama over Biden’s political future behind them and to unify behind the task of defeating Trump with just over 100 days until Election Day. Prominent Democratic elected officials, party leaders and political organizations quickly lined up behind Harris in the day after Biden’s exit from the race and her campaign set a new 24-hour record for presidential donations on Monday.
Several state delegations met late Monday to confirm their support for Harris, including Texas and her home state of California. By Monday night, Harris had the support of well more than the 1,976 delegates she’ll need to win on a first ballot.
California state Democratic Chairman Rusty Hicks said 75% to 80% of the state’s delegation were on a call Tuesday and they unanimously supported Harris. “I’ve not heard anyone mentioning or calling for any other candidate,” Hicks said.
‘Passing The Torch to New Generation’
Biden has said his decision to step aside from the 2024 presidential race and endorse Kamala Harris as Democratic Presidential nominee was as an act aimed at unifying the nation and passing “the torch to a new generation.” The prime-time speech marked the first time Biden had spoken directly to the American people on-camera since his announcement three days ago that he was stepping away from the campaign trail.
“I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That’s the best way to unite our nation. I there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, but there’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices, and that time and place is now,” an emotional Biden said in the rare Oval Office address on Wednesday.
Biden, 81, said he revered the President’s Office office but he loved his country more. “It’s been the honour of my life to serve as president but in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it’s more important than any title.” “I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future all merited a second term,” Biden said Wednesday night. “But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition, so I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.” On Harris, Biden said she is “experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable” and called her an “incredible partner” during their three-and-a-half years together.
“I’ve made my choice. I’ve made my views known … Now, the choice is up to you, the American people,” he said.
Biden continued to emphasise what he believes is at risk this election, which he’s repeatedly cast as an “inflection point” to save the nation’s founding principles.
“I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake,” he said. “And that’s still the case.” Harris, 59, who is of Indian and African origin, has now emerged as the presumptive presidential nominee of the Democratic Party.
“I’ve made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point, one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine our fate of our nation and the world for decades to come,” he said from the Oval Office.
He was surrounded by the First Lady Jill Biden, son Hunter Biden and several members of his family. Toward the end of remarks, Ashley Biden reached for the hand of her mother, Jill Biden, who was seated next to her.
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